Occasional Musings from the Pastor of a Presbyterian Congregation

Main menu

Daily Archives: November 29, 2011

“In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” – John 1:4-5

One of my favorite aspects of Advent and Christmas are the lights- from street corners to home windows, to Advent wreaths glowing; from the star shining in the east, to the sparkle of God’s light as we sing our final hymn on Christmas eve. Absolutely incredible! Our homes and churches light up with warmth and an eagerness to celebrate the birth of our Lord.

In the glow of candle light and star light, I am reminded that God uses us to bring his light to others. While many of us glow with joy and promise during this season, others of us find that the days are darker than we’d like. It is then that we can remember that even one candle’s flame can often provide light enough. However large our light, it may be all someone else needs to hold onto hope.

We are called to let our little lights shine- for we have the light of Christ within us. We shine all we can. We provide light and warmth as we are able, and we accept light from others when we need it to see our way.

As we approach the manger, may our lights shine as we call out, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

“Abiding” describes a relationship or reality that is long-lasting or enduring. “Abiding” is also how Jesus describes our relationship with God through him in the Gospel according to John, 15th chapter.

“Abiding” has the same root word as “abode,” a living space or home. Again, this residential image is a Scriptural one that describes our home with God (Psalm 90:1) and God’s indwelling Spirit in us (Ephesians 2:22).

One recent worship song has the line: This [the world] is not our home… To paraphrase the ancient prayer of Church Father and teacher, Augustine: “Our hearts are truly homeless, O Lord, until they abide in thee.”

So this our first First Church blog (okay, it’s really our second after Peter Haley’s – http://fpcandersonmusic.blogspot.com – check it out). The belief behind this blog is that “Abiding in Christ” is the only way any of us find our true, lasting, and holy abode.